Bryant spent two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M before finishing off his college eligibility at the University of Tulsa. He was with three NFL teams between 2004 and 2007, dressing for three games with the Atlanta Falcons in 2005.

The Baltimore Ravens cut him last October, so he decided to give Canada a try this year. Through rookie camp and the first day of main camp, Bryant has displayed excellent hands and good speed.

"I've done all right," he said. "All of us have done pretty good. We're all playing on the same level, but I think I've done all right."

The coaches must like what he's done, because yesterday he was in Milt Stegall's slotback spot with the first-team offence.

Bryant, who obviously learned to always look for the positives in life, is doing just that in his latest attempt to keep his football dream alive.

"I guess it's a good sign," he said. "I could be getting no reps."

Bryant communicates with his father, who is still in prison, as often as he can, while his relationship with his mother is not nearly as strong.

But he's not looking for pity. Thanks to his grandmas and his uncle, life has turned out all right.

"Everybody's got a story," he said. "There have been people who grew up worse than me."